25/04/2024
The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is a must-see destination not only for its unique beauty, but also for its rich history. After the Greeks arrived on the island, it became one of the most important places of its time and one of the symbols of Mediterranean civilization.
During your visit, discover the many myths that seem to have sprung up all over the island, some of which you may already know! For example, have you ever heard of Mount Etna and its spectacular eruptions? In its fiery lava-covered depths resides Hephaestus, the Greek god of fire, where he builds new weapons for the gods. At the foot of this majestic volcano is also the place where Ulysses confronted and escaped the Cyclops Polyphemus. In Syracuse, find the place where Artemis, goddess of the hunt, transformed the nymph Arethusa into a spring. When you visit Sicily, you’ll discover these places with your own eyes, and learn more about the legends that appeal to young and old alike.
Capital: Palermo
Currency: Euro
Language: Italian
Climate: Mediterranean
Transportation: Plane, boat
Main airports: Palermo, Comiso, Trapani and Catania
Flight times: Paris (2:30 hours), Brussels (2:40 hours), Geneva (2 hours), London (3:10 hours)
The best times to visit Sicily are between March and May, as well as between September and November. Spring and autumn are the ideal times to enjoy the mild temperatures, perfect for hiking or visiting various sites. July, August and September are ideal for a refreshing dip in the sea.
As the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily offers numerous possibilities for sightseeing, each more sublime than the last. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the most important cities and sites not to be missed on your visit to the island.
Greek theater
With its well-preserved stone structures, intact tiers and ancient temple ruins, Taormina’s Greek theater is well worth a visit. Beyond its stone walls, the ancient theater overlooks the deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea, with Mount Etna in the background. It’s not just a place to visit, but also an open-air concert hall. A magical experience not to be missed!
The funicular from Mazzarò to Taormina
There’s nothing like a funicular ride to discover Taormina. From the sky, enjoy magnificent views of the town on this ride that takes you from its historic center to the nearby coastal town of Mazzarò. From here, you can easily reach Isola Bella beach, one of the most beautiful in the area.
Isola Bella beach
From the terminus of your funicular ride, a short 10-minute walk will take you directly to the islet of Isola Bella. This beach has an incomparable charm. To enjoy a swim in its crystal-clear waters at low tide, the beach offers a sun lounger and paddle board rental service.
Climb Etna volcano
Discover the legendary volcano Etna! There are several ways to climb the volcano. If you’re traveling with young children, there are accessible trails leading to the Silvestri craters. Your children will love the Etna cable car and the 4×4 ride that takes you almost to the top of the volcano. For an unforgettable family trip, take the Circumetnea, a historic railroad that takes you around the mountain and through picturesque landscapes.
Visit Catania’s coastline by boat
Sailing along the coast is one of the best excursions in the Catania region. Accompanied by a captain who will tell you the stories and legends of the region, it’s impossible to get bored, and you’ll have plenty to see and hear! And what would a boat trip be without a stop for a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea?
Discover Catania’s Science Museum
A fun-filled learning experience awaits your family at Catania’s Science Museum. Your children will be placed at the heart of the activities organized and will play an active role in the various experiments carried out. Explore the universe with your family at the planetarium and discover all the museum’s themes for a day of fun for all!
Mondello beach
This family beach with its white sand and sparkling waters is the perfect place to enjoy the fine Mediterranean weather. From the beach, you can access a variety of restaurants, bars and summer games. Mondello is just 15 minutes from the town center, and there’s no shortage of transport options to get you there!
Piazza Quattro Canti
The Piazza Quattro Canti is one of the places not to be missed on your visit to Palermo. This lively square, one of the few octagonal squares in the world, is the meeting point of two of the city’s main thoroughfares, Via Maqueda and Casaro (Palermo’s oldest street!). For family fun, take a moment to enjoy the street entertainments that are often staged in the square, such as circus shows and puppet theaters.
Palermo Botanical Gardens
Located right in the heart of the city, Palermo’s botanical garden is a place of rare beauty. Immerse yourself in a fresh, exotic world, lulled by the gentle song of birds, for an unforgettable family stroll. Take time to admire the wealth of flora and the incredible height of the trees in this uniquely charming garden.
The Valley of the Temples
Between centuries-old olive trees and rocky paths, ancient Greek temples rise before your eyes, transporting you back to another era. The Valley of the Temples stretches for several kilometers, and offers a beautiful view of the sea in the distance as you stroll along. A little tip: if you want to avoid the heat during the day, the site opens its doors to visitors on summer evenings, giving you the chance to admire the illuminated monuments.
The Scala dei Turchi
Just a 20-minute drive from Agrigento, the Scala dei Turchi is a place like no other. Discover dazzling white limestone cliffs contrasting with a turquoise sea and a sandy beach. After admiring the magical scenery of the cliffs, head to the beach for a swim in the sea at ideal temperature. The way down is by stairs, but the beach is also accessible by wheelchair or baby carriage.
Capo Rosso
Less crowded than Scala dei Turchi, Capo Rosso offers breathtaking scenery. Lying on a sandy beach and listening to the gentle melody of the waves, Capo Rosso is the ideal place for a moment of relaxation. For an unforgettable souvenir, the rock formations near the beach invite you to take a photo. If you visit Capo Rosso at the end of the day, don’t miss the magnificent sunset. Our tip: bring a bottle of water and a cap! We also recommend a visit if you’re traveling with teenagers.
The island of Ortygie
Fancy an island within an island? Then head for Ortygie! The town’s historic center is built on this islet. To get there, you’ll need to park your car before crossing the bridge to Syracuse. Ortygia is a magnificent pedestrian town, making it the perfect place for a relaxing family stroll.
The temple of Apollo
On your way to the island of Ortygia, stop to see Sicily’s oldest Doric temple. The temple of Apollo stands at the entrance to the island and is rich in history. Look out for the inscription engraved on the highest step on the east side of the temple, where you can see the name of the architect, a rare occurrence in the Greek world.
Syracuse market
A six-minute walk from the Temple of Apollo, as you continue your tour of the island of Ortygia, you’ll find the town’s historic market. It’s open from Monday to Saturday until 1pm. Take your time strolling between the various stalls and smell the fragrance of fresh produce. Perfect for a family picnic!
Located on Sicily’s southern coast, and just a 50-minute drive from Catania airport, Mangia’s Brucoli ***** is set in a green area where peace and quiet reign. Featuring a Kids Club for the entertainment of the youngest guests, it’s the perfect place for a dream vacation with the whole family. From the hotel, you can explore the surrounding towns, rich in history and culture.
A truly heavenly setting atop a promontory surrounded by the sea, Mangia’s Pollina Resort **** is the ideal place to enjoy your Mediterranean vacation. Palermo airport is a 1-hour drive from the hotel. The hotel is just 13 km from one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, Pollina de Cefalu. The hotel offers activities for the whole family. Your children will be delighted to discover an area specially dedicated to them, with swimming pool and games. Take advantage of the Kids Club, Junior Club and Teens Club services. For a truly unforgettable trip, book an excursion with the hotel and cross Sicily: from the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, to the incredible capital of Palermo, you’re guaranteed a dream vacation for the whole family.
A breathtaking landscape that combines a deep blue sea and a landscape of olive groves, pine trees, palm trees and bougainvillea awaits you at Mangia’s Torre Del Barone *****. It’s just 1h30 from Trapani airport. Located on Sicily’s south-east coast, it’s the ideal place to spend a relaxing vacation in the heart of nature. A children’s playground will keep your kids entertained in complete safety! The hotel also offers Kids Club and Junior Club services. There’s also a thermal center with spa and a sports center
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